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Shareholder Committee - Tuesday, 14 July 2026 - 2.00 pm
July 14, 2026 at 2:00 pm Shareholder Committee View on council websiteSummary
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The Shareholder Committee met on Tuesday 14 July 2026 and approved the business plans for two council-owned companies, Evolve Norse and Waltham Forest Services Ltd. The committee also noted the financial performance of Evolve Norse for the previous financial year and approved changes to the board structure of Waltham Forest Services Ltd.
Evolve Norse Business Plan 2026/27 and Company Performance for 2025/26
The Shareholder Committee approved the Evolve Norse Business Plan for 2026/27. Evolve Norse is a property services and built environment joint venture between Waltham Forest Council and the Norse Group, established in April 2022. The committee also noted that the company did not incur any financial losses in the 2025/26 financial year and generated £27,000 in rental income for the council. The report highlighted Evolve Norse's work in supporting the council's Capital Investment Strategy, including projects such as the £2.0 million schools' capital repairs programme, construction of a new activity studio at Willowfield School, and progression of the new crematorium project in Chingford. The business plan for 2026/27 forecasts a net operating profit of £286,000 and includes objectives to continue supporting the council's capital investment strategy, maintain high-quality service delivery, and ensure the joint venture's commercial viability.
Waltham Forest Services Ltd 2026/27 Business Plan
The committee approved the 2026/27 Business Plan for Waltham Forest Services Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Waltham Forest Council established in 2018. The company operates under the brands Servicestore (facilities management, property maintenance, gardening, pest control, and renovations) and Kanopiworks (retrofit services including solar panels, heat pumps, and insulation). The committee noted the company's performance against its 2025/26 Business Plan, which saw turnover surpass targets and over £2.4 million reinvested into council budgets since its inception. The 2026/27 plan forecasts strong sales, driven by expansion in both council and non-council contracts, particularly in housing, and an increase in revenue for ad hoc services. The committee also approved changes to the company's board structure, which will support business growth and includes non-executive directors and council officers. The report highlighted that Waltham Forest Services Ltd has delivered significant social benefits, exceeding £5.5 million in the last two financial years, and that Kanopiworks has secured substantial grant funding. The company's commitment to local employment, with 12 apprenticeships planned for 2026/27, and its strong return on investment for the council were also noted.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Evolve Norse Business Plan 2026/27 and company performance for 2025/26
Recommendations ApprovedThe Shareholder Committee approved the Evolve Norse Business Plan for 2026/27 on 14/07/2026. The committee noted that the company did not lose money in the 2025/26 financial year but provided £27,000 in rental income to the council. The business plan includes rebranding to Waltham Forest Norse and progressing the Crematorium project in Chingford.
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Waltham Forest Services Ltd 2026/27 Business Plan
Recommendations ApprovedThe Shareholder Committee approved the Waltham Forest Services Ltd 2026/27 Business Plan and changes to the Board structure on 14/07/2026. The committee also noted performance against the 2025/26 Business Plan.
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Evolve Norse Business Plan 2026/27 and company performance for 2025/26
Recommendations ApprovedThe Shareholder Committee approved the Evolve Norse Business Plan for 2026/27 on 14/07/2026. The committee also noted that the company did not lose money in the 2025/26 financial year but provided £27,000 in rental income to the council.
Full Council approved the Treasury Management activities and performance for the 2025/26 financial year on 16/07/2026. The council's investments generated £1.9m in income and interest payable was £20.3m.
The Council agreed to appoint standing committees for the 2026/27 municipal year, determine the number and allocation of seats on these committees, and appoint councillors to serve on them and other council bodies on 16/07/2026. The Council also agreed to delegate non-executive functions to officers and approved the Programme of Meetings for 2026/27.
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Evolve Norse Business Plan 2026/27 and company performance for 2025/26
Recommendations ApprovedThe Shareholder Committee approved the Evolve Norse Business Plan for 2026/27 on 14/07/2026. They also noted that the company did not lose money in the 2025/26 financial year and provided £27,000 in rental income to the council.
The Planning Committee granted planning permission for a change of use from Chapel End Early Years Centre to a Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) school on 07/07/2026. This decision allows for the creation of much-needed specialist places within the borough.
The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee considered an application to vary a premises licence for Endri's on 09/07/2026. The committee decided to grant the application in part, imposing conditions to promote licensing objectives.
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